How to Eat Cheaply & Lose Weight

Trying to lose weight by taking diet pills or going on strict diets can hurt your body and is unlikely to produce lasting weight loss. To successfully and quickly lose weight, follow a weight-loss plan that includes eating healthfully, getting into good physical shape and maintaining an adequate amount of hydration throughout the day. Avoiding processed and packaged foods will also help trim the grocery bill because these foods usually cost more than whole foods. The process of losing weight naturally and healthfully will not only help you lose weight fast, but will also help you keep it off.

Things You'll Need

• Walking or running shoes
• Water bottle
• Garbage bag

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Instructions

• 1

  Start an aerobic exercise plan. Aerobic exercises strengthen the lungs and the heart by conditioning and stretching them. Aerobic exercise also helps the body burn more calories, helping to create a calorie deficit. Creating this deficit helps facilitate weight loss. Each pound of fat contains about 3,500 calories, so burning more calories per day taking in allows the body to lose weight. Walking, swimming and bicycling are exercises that are easy on the joints and condition the body.

• 2

  Gather all of the foods in the house that are processed or packaged, contain artificial flavorings, sweeteners, fats or colorings, or are made with large amounts of fat or salt. Place all of these foods into a garbage bag and get rid of them. They contain little nutritive value and will increase the daily caloric intake, leading to weight gain. These foods are expensive and will increase the grocery bill. Replace unhealthy foods with fresh whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. These foods are inexpensive and healthier for the body. Steam vegetables, and poach or grill meats and fish so no extra fat is needed for cooking.

• 3

  Drink plenty of water. Water helps the body work right by hydrating the intestines, allowing the glands to produce hormones properly and by helping the blood carry oxygen to the organs and tissues. When the body is properly hydrated, it will have more energy, burn calories more quickly and use nutrients more easily. Remember that feeling thirsty means the body is in the early stages of dehydration. If the taste of water is unpalatable, add a small amount of lemon or lime juice for flavor.